Washington State reorganization: more of the story.

The creation of a new Department of Health in Washington State in 1989 provided an opportunity for analysis of the many forces beyond the pressure of interest groups leading to such a change. Interviews with key actors from executive and legislative branches of state government, local government, and interested health organizations were conducted to uncover the full scope considered for the new department, and the interactions that led to the final, narrower entity. A process model based on these findings is presented as a useful tool for those seeking to improve public health at the state level through changes in the organizational units responsible for health activities.